Skip to main content

MDDUS responds to the GMC’s equality, diversity and inclusion progress update

Author: MDDUS | Date: 15 January 2026

At a glance:

  • MDDUS has welcomed the GMC’s progress on equality, diversity and inclusion, while warning more must be done to tackle ongoing inequalities in medicine.
  • The organisation expressed concern that targets to reduce disproportionate disciplinary referrals of ethnic minority doctors may still not be fully met.
  • MDDUS called for renewed system‑wide effort to address inequality in training, regulation and support, particularly for international medical graduates.

Commenting on the GMC’s annual equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) progress update, Chris Kenny, Chief Executive of MDDUS, said:

“We endorse the GMC’s statement that inequalities in medicine are not inevitable and wholeheartedly support its calls for healthcare leaders and employers to do more to address this challenge.

“Every doctor has the right to start their career on an equal footing with their peers, regardless of their background.

“Therefore, while it is encouraging to learn the GMC has made strong progress in meeting its commitment to end the disproportionate referrals of ethnic minority doctors to disciplinary processes, we are concerned to see they may yet not reach their target.

“It is frustrating to see the regulator report that ‘it’s likely that we will not know with certainty in 2026 if we’ve achieved the target’ although they express hope they will ‘be close’ to achieving it.

“The report also details ongoing inequalities in doctors’ education and training which translate into further risk of inequalities that, in some cases, can impact doctors’ entire careers.

“While there are many positive signs in this report from the GMC, it is clear the entire health system – including the GMC – must redouble efforts to address these challenges.”

Mr Kenny added: “We welcome the GMC’s commitment to work with others on the ED&I agenda and MDDUS has been pleased to play an active role in this endeavour.

“In particular we appreciated the GMC’s involvement and support of our own event in Edinburgh last year designed to bring a great focus on the need to support international medical graduates in Scotland, addressing discrimination and inequality at work.”

This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

MDDUS image
Author

MDDUS

MDDUS

View all articles from MDDUS

Elsewhere in MDDUS

FAQs

  • Who is MDDUS?

    MDDUS is the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland. It is a mutual organisation that supports doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals by providing professional indemnity, expert advice and representation, and by advocating on issues affecting medical and dental practice.

  • What is News.MDDUS.com for?

    News.MDDUS.com provides news, insight and expert commentary on issues affecting doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. It explains key topics such as wellbeing, regulation and workforce pressures, helping journalists, policymakers and stakeholders understand the challenges facing healthcare today.

  • Where can I find MDDUS membership information?

    MDDUS membership information is available on the main MDDUS website. Visit www.mddus.com to find details about joining, member benefits, professional support services and official guidance for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals.

  • How do I contact MDDUS with media enquiries?

    Media enquiries should be directed to the MDDUS press team. Journalists can contact the MDDUS press team by telephone on 07976 886 552 or by email at press@mddus.com to request information, comment or expert insight.